DHB Shared Services (DHBSS) delivers services at a national level, and where appropriate, produces work for All District Health Boards.

The overall purpose of DHBSS is to help the District Health Boards (DHBs) meet their objectives and accountabilities to the Crown.

DHBSS provides a sector group through which DHBs can coordinate their activities at a national level on selected issues.

DHBSS facilitates and coordinates strategic activity across DHBs and links with other sector agencies as appropriate. We support DHBs through collaboration and collective activity, but have no ability to direct DHBs.

DHBSS and groups acting with DHBSS play an important role in co-ordinating responses to many of the issues faced by all District Health Boards, and providing necessary links with other government agencies. DHBSS works with DHBs, sector groups, the Minister of Health and other Government agencies as appropriate and as required in order to deliver value for DHBs.

DHBSS activity is guided by the Health Sector Work Plan agreed between DHBs, as endorsed by DHBs, the Minister and the Ministry of Health, and acts in the interests of DHBs on agreed national issues.

The current DHBSS strategic plan defines our work programmes as:

·         Employment relations – strategy, negotiations and operational projects

·         National services – collective DHB strategy, contracts and performance improvement

·         Collaboration – supporting executive groups